Pillow

For many people, bedtime is a welcome reprieve. They long for their cozy bed and cannot wait to lay their head down, close their eyes, and fall right to sleep. But for those who struggle with nighttime shoulder pain, bedtime isn’t exactly a reprieve. In fact, it can feel like torture. One way to change this is to purchase the best pillow for shoulder pain.

These specially designed pillows work to target factors that trigger shoulder pain—in particular, placing pressure on the shoulder joint and spinal column. In some cases, this pressure is what causes the pain, while in cases where the shoulder is injured, this pressure makes it worse. Shoulder pillows feature ergonomic designs and are often adjustable, allowing you to get the exact fit you require.

But before you make a purchase, you need to understand the problem you are attempting to fix and what to look for in a pillow. Read on to learn more about nighttime shoulder pain and the pillows that can help relieve it.

Features to Look for in Pillows for Shoulder Pain

As you look for the best pillow for shoulder pain, you need to understand that there is no one pillow that is the best for everyone. Depending on your preferences, sleeping position, and more, different pillows will work better for you. So, as you browse our top ten picks, you need to keep these features in mind.

Sleep Position

Perhaps the biggest factor in choosing the right pillow for you is your preferred sleep position. Some people sleep specifically on their side, back, or stomach, while others move between positions as the night goes on. Some pillows are designed for specific sleep positions while others work with all sleep positions.

Support

Support, which you can also think of in terms of firmness, essentially refers to how much the pillow gives to your body as you lay against it. While some give is necessary for comfort, too much give will fail to give your body the support it needs.

Loft

Loft, also known as height, is also important to consider. It tends to be most important for those who are back sleepers, but it plays a role in the comfort a pillow offers no matter the sleep position. In general, back sleep requires a lower loft while side sleep requires a higher loft. This is because the goal is to hold the neck in alignment.

Fill Material

There are many different types of fill materials that can be used in pillows. Different materials offer different levels of firmness, and they can also offer additional features, such as being hypoallergenic. Overall, there is no material that is inherently bad for shoulder pain, and it comes down to personal preference.

​Adjustability

While adjustability is a benefit, it is not a necessity. With that said, many people like to have this feature as it allows them to customize the fit of the pillow after it is purchased. Few pillows are 100 percent perfect straight from the store. If you opt for one that is adjustable, you can play with it until you get it just right.

1 Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

For our top choice, we wanted to select a pillow that would work for the majority of sleepers, and as a result, we chose this option from Snuggle-Pedic. Rather than being made for a specific sleep position, it works for all of them, accommodating your preference and allowing you to move around as needed. In all positions, it takes pressure off of the shoulder, relieving or eliminating pain.

Also important is the fact that this pillow is adjustable, so you can customize it to your needs. The outer portion of the pillow is designed to always be cool for your comfort. The shredded memory foam filling molds to the body and is hypoallergenic for those who are worried about allergies. Of course, no pillow is perfect, but if you try this pillow and decide you aren’t a fan, you can return it within 90 days for a full refund, no questions asked.

This option from Coop Home Goods comes in at a close second. It is very similar to our first choice, but it doesn’t stay quite as cool at night, so we chose to make it our number two choice. Once again, it can be used in any sleep position and it is adjustable, allowing the user to get the exact fit they want.

However, if what you are looking for is a pillow that is environmentally friendly, this might be your top choice. Coop Home Goods makes all of their pillows without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP, or flame retardants. It also comes with a five-year warranty and is guaranteed not to go flat, and you can return it within 100 days of purchase, no questions asked.

3 Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow

If you are experiencing other pains at night in addition to shoulder pain, a standard pillow design may not be enough. Rather than purchasing multiple pillows to support the knees, back, stomach, shoulder, and neck, you can purchase one total body pillow that does it all—which is what Leacho offers with the Snoogle.

Originally designed for use by pregnant women, it can be used by anyone who requires lots of support when sleeping. It relieves pressure on numerous joints and the spinal column and also helps with alignment to make breathing easier. The design follows the contour of the body, creating maximum comfort. With that said, the odd shape of the pillow does pose some home design problems and may need to be stored out of sight during the day.

4 Custom Sleeping Snuggle Full Body Pillow

Despite what the company name implies, this pillow is not adjustable. However, it is already quite comfortable as it is. This can be attributed to the soft gel cluster fiber blend and the bamboo-rayon cover. Both feel incredibly soft and luxurious, even while still offering the support needed.

Much like our number three choice, it offers all-around support, targeting numerous joints and the spinal column. However, since it does not wrap around the entire body, the support is not quite as good as choice number three. With that said, since it is not such an awkward shape, it does look better when left out and can be incorporated into the overall room design—no need to hide it away during the day.

5 ComfySure Pregnancy Full Body Pillow

Once again, we have chosen a pillow marketed to pregnant women. And once again, it really does work for everyone, pregnant or not. Ideal for those suffering from multiple types of joint pain, including back and neck pain, it could be the key to a good night of sleep for you.

Unlike other pregnancy pillows, this one completely surrounds the body, which means that if you want to switch sides as you sleep, you can do it without flipping the massive pillow over. While this is a major plus over most other pillows like it, we ranked it at number five due to the filling; the polyester blend is not as good at staying cool, even though it does not truly get hot as you sleep.

6 Remedy Side Sleeper Contour Pillow for Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain Relief

If you thought the full body pillows were unusual, take a look at this one. But although it may look almost alien, it is actually incredibly comfortable. While the other pillows on this list are great at relieving shoulder pain, this is the first option that was made specifically to accomplish this feat.

Small enough to travel with you, you never need to be without the comfort it offers. The high loft ensures the spine is kept in alignment while the ear pocket gives side sleepers relief they never knew they needed. It comes with a pillow case and has a satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel safe giving this unique pillow a try.

7 Sleep Yoga Dual Position Neck Pillow

Did you ever imagine that a pillow would have something of a cult following? Well, this is true in the case of the Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Arm Rest Posture Pillow. Based on the description alone, people went crazy for this pillow on Kickstarter, and now it is available to purchase. Since it has hit the market, customers have loved this pillow for its ability to both relieve pain and improve posture while sleeping.

The design team behind the pillow is filled with chiropractors and yoga enthusiasts, and the focus was on achieving perfect alignment, which naturally relieves pressure on the joints. And since it is uses a cotton mix for filler, it is a great alternative for those who would like to be able to avoid memory foam. The brand also offers other pillows to address pain in different joints.

8 Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow for Side Sleeping

Z is an unusually named company that has really made a name for itself by producing unique and incredibly comfortable pillows. Designed specifically for side sleeping, it is slightly softer than most other side sleep options on the market. While this is not ideal in every case, for those who want a little more give from their pillow, it is a great choice.

The company designed this pillow to address shoulder pain, neck pain, and migraines. It is meant to retain its shape for life, and the company does offer returns and replacements should the pillow you purchase not live up to the hype. There are two downsides that customers note. First, it has a chemical odor that takes a while to go away, and pillowcases can only be purchased from Z.

9 Aeris Contour Pillow,Premium Side Sleeper PilloW

Most side-sleep options are made for those who like to cuddle their pillow while they sleep. The problem is that for those who do, the shoulder pain pillow just isn’t the pillow they want to snuggle with. With this option from Aeris, side sleepers can enjoy the benefits of this positioning pillow while cuddling—or not cuddling—whatever they wish.

The product is made from special memory foam that is designed to stay cool throughout the night—important since you cannot flip this pillow over and still use it. While it is designed to target the neck and back, it is also great at relieving shoulder pain. Finally, it comes with perhaps the best guarantee you will find: a lifetime free replacement guarantee.

10 Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow

For a pillow that works for all sleep positions, is affordable, and comes with a guarantee, this Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is a great choice. The shape is meant to make it usable by those who sleep in any position and the memory foam is meant to help the pillow retain its shape while molding to your body.

Thanks to the cooling gel, it stays cool all night long. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies. It is backed by a 100 percent satisfaction, no questions asked, money-back guarantee. While there is no big brand name behind it, it is still a solid choice.

How Much of a Difference Does the Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain Make?

Ultimately, your underlying health will determine how big of a difference a pillow will make in your pain level and quality of sleep. If your pain is being caused by a bad pillow, using the right one will eliminate the pain completely. If the pain is coming from an underlying injury, the pillow will stop it from worsening during sleep, but if you experience pain during the day, chances are it will still be there at night.

With that said, if your pillow is making that pain worse, you should find that with the right pillow, you will experience less pain over all—not just at night. As long as you select an option suited to you that holds your body in proper alignment, you should see a noticeable difference with your new pillow.

How to Sleep with Shoulder Pain

While purchasing the right pillow will be the biggest change you can make, another way to relieve shoulder pain is to take a new approach to how you sleep. There are multiple ways you can do this, which we will outline below.

Maintain a sleep schedule, where you complete the same process before bed every night and go to bed at the same time. This helps to reduce tension, which can contribute to shoulder pain.

Perform simple stretches that focus on the shoulders every night before bed. Some stretches you can use are chin retractions, eagle arms, cow-face pose, standing wall stretch, shoulder blade stretch, half-dragon fly, and triangle.

If you are up for it, work a full yoga routine into your sleep schedule, focusing on routines that relax rather than invigorate. Switch to side sleep if possible.

Purchase a pillow that provides the proper support.

If you find yourself moving into positions that hurt as you sleep, switch to a total body pillow to hold your sleeping form in place.

If you are unable to train yourself to sleep on your side, look for back or stomach sleep pillows and consider using extra pillows to support your arms and take strain off the shoulder joints.

Keep trying. If what you try does not work for you, switch it up and keep looking for options that will help reduce the pain you feel.

Other Methods for Reducing or Eliminating Shoulder Pain When Sleeping

After you have tried the above, if you are still experiencing pain or the pain is not lessening enough for you to sleep well, it is time to try some other options. At this stage, you need to speak with your doctor about your pain, just in case the cause is more serious than you believe it to be. Once you do this, you can try the following methods:

Rest your shoulder for several days. This means not exercising the shoulder joint, even with regular activities. If you are unable to stop yourself from using the shoulder, try wearing that arm in a sling.

Ice your shoulder every 15 to 30 minutes for two days to see if this helps to reduce the pain. If it does, at least part of the reason you are experiencing pain is due to inflammation. You should be able to take medications to relieve your pain, either over-the-counter options or prescription-grade medication if the inflammation is severe enough.

Consider that the problem may be related to a lack of muscle tone. If your arm and shoulder muscles are not strong enough, they will not support the weight on the arm, pulling on the shoulder joint. Strength-building exercises can help to make the shoulder stronger and make it easier to support the weight of your arm and whatever you might carry.

If you often wear a bag over the hurt shoulder, train yourself to wear it on the other side. Also, you should look into reducing the weight of the bag by carrying fewer items or selecting a lighter bag to wear.

Pay close attention to the way you actually move the shoulder joint. Sometimes shoulder pain it due to repetitive motion, the same way carpal tunnel occurs in the wrists. If you find that you are repeating the same motions a lot throughout the day, try to train yourself out of them to avoid causing strain.

Look into ways of relieving stress in your life. When we stress, we hold it in our shoulders and neck. Mindfulness, meditation, massages, and life changes can all help to reduce your stress level and lower the tension you carry in your shoulders.

​Final Words

Sleep is not a luxury—it is a necessity. When we do not sleep well, we hurt ourselves mentally and physically. Without quality sleep, we perform worse overall, putting our work and academic lives at risk. Not to mention that on too little sleep, driving and other activities become dangerous. Shoulder pain should not stop you from living a great life, and that is why you should purchase the best pillow for shoulder pain. Consider your sleep position and other important factors to guide you in your purchase. It is time to get a good night’s rest.

It's never a good thing to start your day with a headache or neck pain. That feeling of opening your eyes and realizing you have a throbbing head or stiff neck means a miserable morning. As soon as you pick your head up off the pillow, you grab your neck, rubbing the painful areas, while your head feels like fifty-pounds. What causes you to wake up this way? There are many possibilities, and most are not life-threatening. The simplest reason that offers the easiest fix is to buy the best pillow for neck pain and headaches.

Neck problems and headaches may be caused by sleeping in an awkward position that puts strain on your neck and spine alignment. People who wake up with bad headaches or migraines don't realize that fifty-percent of those headaches began around 4:00 am. Having a headache or neck pain that long during the time your body needs to rest means waking up with pain and feeling tired the rest of the day. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, so not getting the proper sleep for the right amount of hours you need, leads to problems during the day and may eventually lead to health issues.

How Do I Figure Out What Kind Of Neck Support Pillow I Need?

Waking up without a headache or neck stiffness can be as easy as picking the right pillows for neck support. If your neck and head are tense while you sleep, the pressure strains your muscles and if you stay in one spot for hours, when you're sleeping, you'll face the next morning in a painful and exhausted manner. The proper pillow for you is the neck support bed pillow that works for you. So how do you choose the right pillow that provides head and neck pillow support for your needs?

The best pillow for neck support will keep your head and neck in a similar position like when you're standing. This is a neutral or a natural alignment for your spine. With the three possible sleeping positions; back sleepers, side sleepers, or stomach sleepers, the best cervical support pillow will depend on the way you sleep.

Back Sleepers: If you sleep best on your back, you need the best pillow neck support that will contour and support your cervical spine area. You need to have enough lift under your head, neck, and shoulders, so the pillow needs to be higher than a pillow for side sleepers. A firmer pillow is also best to support your head and maintain the alignment of your spine.

Side Sleepers: Sleeping on your side creates a situation where you need to fill in the neck area between your shoulders and head. A medium support pillow with a thicker feel will keep your head in line with your spine; like a horizontal line. But it also needs to be soft enough to give and curve to your body.

Stomach Sleepers: People who prefer to sleep on their stomach are putting the most stress on their neck and spine. To help your body deal with this sleeping position, you want to purchase the best pillow for stomach sleepers with neck pain in the morning. This type of pillow is typically flatter than other pillows and should be softer.

Combination Sleepers: If you tend to sleep in different positions that change through the night, you will want to buy a good orthopedic pillow for neck pain and headache that has higher areas for when you are laying on your side and lower, indented areas for when you sleep on your back. If you also sleep on your stomach, all three of these sleeping positions would benefit from a buckwheat pillow, or a cooling pillow made for night sweats that breathes and is normally filled with memory foam pieces.

Read our neck pain and headache pillow reviews to find out which pillow will work the best for you!

1 Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow

When we chose the Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow as our editor's Choice, we kept in the mind the need for people to have a pillow that would allow them to wake up pain-free. Neck pain and headaches are no way to start the day, and often set the tone for feeling sluggish and tired. This fiber, good neck support pillow, is recommended the most from chiropractors and physical therapists. The three zones built-in to this pillow are meant for back and side sleepers. There is higher, relaxing side support for side sleepers, a larger head and neck support at the top for back sleepers who are larger bodied, and a smaller neck support area for back sleepers who are smaller.

The therapeutic effects of this pillow are healthy and beneficial; it provides a drug-free option for alleviating neck pain and headaches upon waking. It's also great for people with sleep apnea as we discussed in our Best Pillows for Sleep Apnea Relief article. The design allows you to sleep on your side using the support along the edges and then, if you turn to sleep on your back, the middle crevice allows your head to rest in a neutral position; much like when you are standing. This supportive pillow for neck pain is also made large enough to allow for ample room for any size neck and head. Your sleep prepares you for the day ahead. Having the right pillow that is made to alleviate neck pain and headaches will be the best pillow you ever buy!

PROS

This cervical pillow is most recommended by chiropractors and physical therapists

Core Products uses on the best foam products for the inside of their pillows

A plush, stripe-patterned cover provides a luxurious look and feel

An indented, trapezoid-shaped center provides a natural position for your head and neck

Relieves tension in your head and neck while you sleep

CONS

Side sleepers may find it too firm so it may push on their ear, making it sore

2 My Pillow Premium Series Bed Pillow

Yes, this top rated pillow for neck pain is the My Pillow you see advertised on TV. And from what we found out, people really do like it! The design includes choices of 4 firmness levels: the Blue level is extra firm, Green level is firm, the White level is medium, and the Yellow level is the least firmness. This allows you to use your sleep position to determine what pillow to buy. As we mentioned in the introduction, all three sleep positions do best with certain pillows.

If you're a back sleeper, you want the Blue level for the most firmness to support your neck and head, avoiding waking up with neck pain or a headache. Side sleepers would do well with the Green, firm, or White, medium level pillow. And stomach sleepers, the toughest sleep position to accommodate, should buy the Yellow level pillow, which is softer. These My Pillows are one of the best pillows for your neck and allow you to get the rest you need to recover from a busy day. And one of the best features is that you can toss the pillow in the washing machine and dryer whenever it needs cleaning or to be freshened up.

PROS

Comes in 4 heights to fit whatever kind of sleeper you are

Entire pillow is machine washable and dryable

Patented 3-Piece Interlocking Fill for a custom feel

The Open Cell Poly fill keeps your neck and head cool all night

Has a 2-inch gusseted side height on all 4 sides

CONS

Can be lumpy for some people

3 Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow - The Best Neck Pillow

Although the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow is made with travelling in mind, it's also great for a regular, daily-use pillow. Back sleepers will love the curved horseshoe shape that holds your head and neck in a natural position; much like when you're standing. This support keeps you from kinking your neck and waking up with neck pain. It also keeps your spine aligned so you don't wake up with that throbbing headache from pressure points becoming inflamed. This travel neck pillow is made with a soft velour cover that's removable and machine washable.

The inside is filled with plush memory foam that feels like a soft cushion, but has plenty of support. The back part is lower and gives your head a place to rest without needing to adjust your position like a regular pillow. If you constantly wake up with neck aches or headaches, this neck support pillow is a great choice. Travelers will love the ability to sleep when they have to be sitting, while their head and neck are kept from leaning over. The Cabeau Travel Pillow also provides 360 degree support so no matter which way your neck or head leans; you won't end up with strained neck muscles. Made ergonomically for the most comfortable sleep!

PROS

Although a travel pillow, this neck support pillow is great for back sleepers

Has raised sides and a flat back for the best ergonomic support

Removable cover is machine washable

This travel pillow is the first of its kind to be made with high-quality memory foam

4 Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow

Sleep Innovations presents another product with your sleep in mind. This contoured, memory foam pillow provides a healthy design that prevents your neck and head from being forced into an unnatural position. The moment you wake up and feel the neck pain or pressure of a headache, you don't even want to get out of bed. A supportive pillow, like this open cell memory foam pillow, allows you to rest deeply and wake up renewed. The top layer lets air flow around your neck and head, keeping you cool and comfortable.

A contoured pillow gives you fill under your neck so the vertebrae aren’t forced to stay at an angle, causing pressure. The higher back part of the pillow keeps your head from lying backwards and stretching your neck further. Similar to using this pillow for sleep apnea relief, your body is allowed to rest uninhibited by wrong positions. These factors are key to preventing neck pain and headaches. And memory foam increases circulation to reduce tossing and turning. Along with a natural cooling ability, this pillow is a great option for the rest you need!

PROS

Wake up refreshed and free of neck pain and headaches

This neck pain and headache pillow is great for side and back sleepers

Designed for the most therapeutic support

Stay cool while you sleep with this memory foam contour pillow

Top of pillow is made with open-cell memory foam that adapts to your body contour

CONS

Can be too firm for some people

5 Nayoya Back and Neck Pain Relief - Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

This unique acupressure mat and pillow set is made for two purposes; as a temporary in-home acupressure treatment to relieve neck and back pain, or to sleep with each night, enjoying the benefits of acupressure as you sleep! Muscles spasms, sciatica, and tension all lead to tightness in your body that doesn't get relief with traditional pillows. The Nayoya Back and Neck Pain relief pillow is like having an acupuncturist in your home whenever you need a therapeutic treatment. Alternative medicine has been touted to have natural healing abilities to heal the body without medications. Use this rolled pillow and mat for a twenty-minute treatment at home when you feel pain and pressure in your neck and back, or as a nightly supportive neck pillow that uses thousands of acupressure points to increase blood flow and relieve tension.

The rolled neck pillow is meant for back sleepers and can be used without the mat for sleeping. Its best results come when used alone instead of being propped up on a standard pillow. Neck pain and tension headaches are gone when you sleep with this rounded pillow that has 1,782 acupressure points made with sharp plastic acupoints. These tiny non-invasive tips get in between your neck, shoulders, and head to gently increase blood flow to tired muscles and ligaments. It's an acupuncture treatment at Home!

PROS

This mat and pillow provides back and neck pain relief in as little as 20 minutes per day

Can sleep on your back with both the pillow and the mat for a therapeutic rest

Works like acupuncture without the needles using tiny little sharp plastic acupoints

6 Natures Pillows Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow

Buckwheat hulls have long been used for the best neck pain relief pillows for a completely restorative sleep. The hulls, although they sound hard, are the outside of the actual buckwheat kernel and when thousands of them are gathered together in a pillow, it makes for one of the best head support pillows to prevent neck pain and headaches. Your head and neck lay on this pillow that gives way to whatever shape your body has and makes a comfortable cradle for you to sleep on.

As you move around during the night, the hulls adapt and move with you so you're always in the best position. As with all buckwheat hull pillows, the natural air flow keeps you cool and comfortable. And they make a great tension headache pillow so you can wake up assured to be pain free from neck pain and headaches.

PROS

The 100% buckwheat hulls filling molds to your neck and head

Cover is made from 100% cotton

The support from the hulls prevents headache, irritability, stiff neck, and sluggishness

Most customizable support for a pillow

Airy and cool to keep you from overheating during the night

CONS

Standard size is smaller than a standard pillow

7 Core Products Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow

Core Products went all out with the design of their Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow. The strange shape may take you back for a minute, until you learn about its design. Using an ergonomic Designer along with a Chiropractor, Core Products created this multi-sleeping position pillow with spinal alignment in mind. Good, deep sleep is dependent on the proper spinal alignment to promote relaxed muscles and good circulation. The ergonomic design of this neck pain relief pillow gives your upper body stability no matter what position you prefer to sleep in.

Core Products provides five sizes so you can choose the right fit for your body type and the zippered pillow cover is machine washable, made of a polyester and cotton blend. The smaller sizes; Child, Petite, and Average fit into a standard pillow case for extra protection from stains. The Large and X-Large require a king size pillow case. As with all Core Products pillows, the materials used are allergen free, non-toxic, and they use a high-grade foam for the inside.

8 Restwel Bamboo Pillow Memory Foam

Restwel created this Bamboo pillow so you can sleep better and know you're getting the right support to relieve migraine headaches and neck pain! The insides of this migraine relief pillow are made with the highest quality hypoallergenic memory foam, chosen for its ability to stay fluffy for years of use. Lay your head down on this cool and airy pillow so you can fall asleep peacefully, knowing you'll wake up pain free and ready to face your day.

The right combination of memory foam with the bamboo fabric outer case is a natural solution to stuffy, bunched up regular pillows that flatten out after little use. Bamboo naturally wicks away moisture, keeping you cool, while the design of this neck and shoulder support pillow gives you the sleep you need and lets you wake up feeling rested and energized. And the bamboo fibers used to create the cover is anti-dust, anti-bacterial and allergen free!

PROS

High-quality hypoallergenic memory foam inside stays fluffy for years

Helps you fall asleep fast and wakeup without neck pain or headaches

Cool and airy to keep your neck and head from sweating

No more folding regular pillows or bunching them up when you're a side sleeper

Best fluffiness and support without being hard or too firm.

CONS

Some people find this pillow has a strong smell that lasts a long time

9 Relaxing Microwavable Neck Pillow

Whether you use this pillow for warm relief from a sore neck, or you sleep with its soft, comfortable shape supporting your neck, you'll love the ergonomic design that wraps around your neck with an anti-stress benefit. This neck pain pillow is calming and relaxing, created with a blend of citrus, chamomile, and lavender essences that relax your tired neck and shoulder muscles and provide a balmy aroma to promote sleep.

Earth Therapeutics created this relaxing pillow so you can pop it in the microwave and heat it up to enjoy the extra benefits of a warm compress. Use it during the day for a break from tension or use it on top of your regular pillow when you go to bed for a gentle, sleep promoting remedy. The ergonomic design and soft outside will drape around your neck, embracing your sore muscles. It's a great anti-stress pillow to allow you a restorative sleep and a morning without neck pain or headaches.

PROS

Made with non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials

Gently scented with natural lavender, chamomile, and citrus

This neck support pillow is perfect for sleeping or when traveling

Pillow can be micro-waved for extra soothing warmth

Cover is machine washable

CONS

When micro-waved may become too moist

10 Laniloha Best Pillow! Premium Orthopedic

This unique, charcoal and bamboo memory foam pillow made by Laniloha, is a great neck pain relief pillow that allows you to wake up without that tension headache from a regular pillow. The plush bamboo fabric cover keeps you cooler than regular fabrics and its anti-bacterial properties and natural moisture wicking ability keeps your skin dry and cool. Inside, charcoal memory foam that includes trace elements and minerals like potassium, sodium, iron, calcium, and more, provides natural benefits you can feel and breathe in for your health.

Carbon, granular activated carbon, works to deodorize and purify the air you breathe as you lay your head on this neck support pillow. Carbon removes odors and moisture to keep you fresh and dry, promoting better sleep. Laniloha uses solid core memory foam inside to keep you from tossing and turning to find a good position for your head and neck. Although it may look like the pillow sits high, when you lay your head on it, you'll sink into a heavenly night's sleep with this luxurious head and neck pillow.

PROS

Made with purifying charcoal and bamboo materials

Inside filled with high-density, charcoal, memory foam.

Relieves pressure points and encourages blood circulation in your neck and head

This pillow works well for side and stomach sleepers

The combination of charcoal and bamboo acts to deodorize and purify air

CONS

Pillow doesn't have enough height for some sleepers

Ways to Improve Your Sleep and Prevent Neck Pain and Headache

Our sleep habits are established early in life. But the best positions for sleep are on your side or back. When you're a back sleeper, you want to keep your shoulders and neck supported evenly; being sure you're lying flat and not with one side higher than the other. Memory foam pillows help to improve spinal alignment because they can mold to your body curves. If your pillow is too stiff and keeps your head higher than your neck, you'll flex your neck muscles, preventing them from resting. This leads to neck pain and headaches when you wake up.

Sleeping on your side requires a higher pillow under your neck area to once again keep the head and neck in a level position. This keeps your spine aligned properly and avoids muscle strain. The key is to sleep in a way that slows your body to totally relax and heal from the busy day. Sleeping on your stomach puts the most pressure on your neck and spine by overstretching muscles and ligaments, which prevents rest and relaxation during the night. Choose a good pillow if you're a stomach sleeper that gives you good support, or try training yourself to sleep on your back or side by the type of pillow you purchase.

Remedies for Neck Pain and Headaches After Sleeping Wrong

If you wake up with neck pain and/or a headache, you won’t even want to lift your head from your pillow! But when you do, there are some good ways to relieve the pain. Your pain and headache are caused by tightened and kinked muscles. Even your scalp can become stretched and irritated. Try some of these exercises and ideas to alleviate the pain:

Stand with your shoulders relaxed and feet in a normal position. Slowly, very slowly, rotate your head in a circle leaning it back, to the sides, and forward in order to stretch the muscles that are tight.

Be sure to make your movements slow and even; jerky movements will make your muscles worse. Stop when it hurts and pay attention to any stretching that feels too tight.

Some helpful videos for NECKPAIN AND HEADACHES

Wake Up Pain Free and Refreshed!

Your pillow isn’t just an accessory like a decorative pillow on your couch. The pillow you lay your head on each night is an integral part of good sleep habits and leads to good health when you choose the right one. Migraines and neck pain are common to almost all people after they sit at a desk staring into a computer screen, or haul heavy lumber at a construction site. No matter what occupation you're in, or even if you're a stay-at-home mom raising children, you must have a great pillow to relieve neck pain and headache tension. Sleep is not an optional luxury: It's a life-time necessity you can't do without. Be sure to read through our reviews and then click on the links for more information. Then, buy the best pillow for neck pain and headache relief so you can begin healthier sleep habits now!

The Basics of Backpacking and the Type of Gear You Need

Not everyone enjoys hiking on busy community trails or camping in a crowded campground. Traffic noise, too many people, and other interruptions can take away the peace versus a well-planned backpack trip in the wilderness. Although backpacking is more challenging than a day hike, it’s worth the trip! There are many rewards to exploring the more untouched areas of nature, and you can tailor your backpacking trip to enjoy hobbies such as fishing or bird watching. But before you venture out, be sure to have the right gear! And part of the preparation is buying the best backpacking pillow!

When you plan on the supplies you have to carry in your backpack, your destination and activities will help determine what you need to include. If you’re going backpacking for the first time, be sure to go with experienced friends, or take a backpacking class. You’ll also have to consider the weather conditions; what season it is, long-term forecast, erratic weather patterns, and any other surprises. Once you pick a location and trail that works for your skill level, grab a group of people to accompany you. Then, take out a trail map, and choose the stops where you want to either go fishing, bird watching, or in search of an elusive moose!

Recreational Equipment, Inc., REI, offers great articles on their website about backpacking. They even have a backpacking checklist and a printable PDF copy of it. They offer a comprehensive list with categories, but we think they could improve on their backpack pillow idea; “Pillow or stuffable pillow case” is their suggestion. Instead of a lumpy make-shift pillow, buy a comfortable camping pillow. Some of the best camping pillows are portable and lightweight for your backpack, and will help you enjoy a good night’s sleep!

Why Does a Pillow Matter if I’m on a Backpacking Trip?

While you may think of a backpacking trip as “roughing it,” there’s no reason why you have to use a plain, bulky pillow, or a pillowcase stuffed with your extra socks, underwear, and shorts. There are many great options for buying an inflatable or compressible pillow so your backpacking trip won’t leave you with a stiff neck and headache. In order to enjoy the wilderness, you want to prepare ahead so the trip itself will be enjoyable and worry-free.

Once you have all your gear, you should practice packing your backpack properly, arranging your supplies, putting up your tent and bedding, and become accustomed to setting up camp. Have a campout in your backyard overnight just to see how it all comes together. Resist the urge to use any items from inside your home—including your own pillow! This is where you want to test out the comfort of your outdoor accommodations! Read through our backpacking pillow reviews to make the best choice when you purchase a new backpacking trip pillow.

Best Backpacking Pillow Reviews 2017 - Comparison Table

Product name

Image

Features

Shape & Size

Weight

Price Range

Our Rating

Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow

Compression pillow

8 color choices

Folds small and expands large!

4 Sizes:
S–12”x16”
M–14”x18”
L–12”x16”
XL–12”x16”

9.5 oz.

$$$

#1Editor Choice

Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow

Self-inflating air pillow

2 color choices

Pressure Mapping Technology

Lumbar
2 x 7 x 8 inches

9.5 oz.

$$$

#2

ONWEGO Camping Pillow

Self inflating air pillow

6 color choices

Anti-slip bottom

Contoured
20 x 12 inches

10.5 oz

$$

#3

Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillows

Self-inflating air pillow

9 color choices

Anti-slip bottom

Ergonomic
2.2 x 3.45 x 5.55 inches

3.2 oz.

$$

#4

Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow Premium

Self-inflating air pillow

2 color choices

Double valve for complete customized firmness

Contoured
R–14”x10”
L16.5”x11.5”

4 oz.

$$$

#5

1)Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

We love the features of the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow! It’s one of the few backpacking pillows that have four different sizes to meet your needs. Wherever you backpack; in the mountains, along rivers, on an international trip, or around a lake, this pillow travels small and inflates large. The inside has foam filling packs that create a soft pillow after a long day of hiking. The outside is made from plush, brushed polyester to provide a comfortable feel against your face so it doesn’t need a pillowcase.

As soon as you unroll this small, compact camping and travel pillow, it fluffs up to become a welcoming pillow. You're sure to have a good sleep after a long day on the trail. The XL size is 16.5” x 27” for those needing a larger pillow. This pillow is easily machine washed and dried to keep it clean for the next trip. It can be stored fully sized or rolled up depending on the storage space you have.

Pros

The comfortable urethane foam chips expand big, but packs back up small

The outside cover is made from soft brushed polyester

Therm-a-Rest offers 4 sizes with an XL option

Machine washable and dryable

Can be stored fully expanded

Cons

Can feel too lumpy for some people

Video

2)Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow

When it comes to an inflatable travel pillow, this Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow is great for your backpacking trip, camping trip, and is durable enough to leave inflated in your car for easy access to a comfortable ride. The self-inflating valve makes it easy to setup camp after a long day of backpacking or hiking. The one-hand adjustable valve allows you to lay your head down to sleep and simply reach for the valve to change the softness or firmness.

Therm-a-Rest creates these pillows with special "Pressure Mapping Technology" so it adjusts to the contour of your neck and head. By using die-cut foam that runs down the center of the pillow, pressure is taken off your spine, with the denser sides giving you lateral support. This pillow is self-inflating and you can make it even firmer by lowing air into it to get almost two-inches of additional height. The lumbar support allows you to use this as a travel neck pillow in many places.

Pros

The Therm-a-Rest Lumbar Pillow is self-inflatable

Designed with "Pressure Mapping Technology" for the most comfort

You can adjust the firmness using one hand to turn the valve

Interior has die-cut foam that runs down the center for spine support

Offers superior lumbar support

Cons

Valve may start leaking air after use

3)ONWEGO Camping Pillow

For A soft inflatable camping pillow that works for backpacking on a long trip, the ONWEGO Camping Pillow has all the features you need for a good night's sleep. After you hike the trails and climb the summits of your trip, you'll want to rest up for the next day. The top of this pillow is smooth and silky against your skin and doesn't hold moisture, keeping you cool and dry. And if you spill anything on it while outdoors, just wipe with a damp cloth.

ONWEGO offers this compact, inflatable pillow so you can adjust the amount of air in it for the perfect firmness. Why would you want to roll up a jacket to use for a pillow after a strenuous hike? Or squash your coat behind your head on an airplane to support your neck for a rest? The indented middle of this pillow will hold you head and neck in a natural position instead of kinking your neck to one side. Use this convenient, compact pillow for all your outdoor adventures!

Pros

The ONWEGO Camping Pillow is self-inflating

Outside is made with a soft and smooth pillow-top material

Made with outdoor-grade moisture resistant materials

The bottom of the pillow is designed to prevent slipping while you sleep

Large pillow rolls up to only be 5.5” x 6”

Cons

This pillow arrives compressed and sometimes may not unroll completely

4)Trekology Ultralight Inflating Travel/Camping Pillows

The Trekology camping pillow is lightweight and a perfect addition to your backpacking gear list. Explore the outdoors knowing a comfortable night's rest is ahead with this backpacking and camping pillow. The ergonomic design provides the right support for your neck and head so you won't wake up all night trying to get comfortable. The extra interior layers provide more cushioning for your body to keep you snug and comfy. You can also use this lightweight pillow for lumber support when sitting for long times.

The ultra-compact size of the travel pillow ensures your backpack will be lighter and your carryon bag won't weigh you down. If you need to have your own travel pillow that won't put your luggage over the airline's weight limit, this pillow is only 2.75 oz., deflated, and comes with a storage bag. It's only 5" x 2" when rolled up and takes up little room in your luggage.

Pros

Contoured pillow with a deep middle for the best neck and head support

Pillow is made with strong, moisture-resistant, elastic TPU fabric, keeping it dry

Ultra light-weight for backpacking, camping, and travel

Backing is made with slip-resistant material so the pillow stays in place

Easy to inflate and deflate for the perfect firmness

Cons

The seams may become loose and leak air

5)Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow Premium

Aeros makes this Sea to Summit travel and backpacking pillow with the customer in mind. From the frequent flyer to the wilderness backpacker, this portable travel pillow ensures you a comfortable sleep. The exterior is made of soft, plush material while remaining strong enough to take the pressure from being fully inflated. Aeros offers a regular and large size for many uses. And, this pillow inflates with a few breaths using a multifunctional valve. When you open valve one and blow air into it, if fully inflates, but you can open the second valve and push the release button to adjust the firmness. To deflate, open the first valve and roll the pillow to remove all the air.

The TPU bladder is lined by the synthetic fabric fill to make this roll-up pillow soothing and moisture free. The bottom edges are scalloped to center under your shoulders for side sleepers, back sleepers, or even sitting upright in a chair to sleep after a surgery. For side sleepers, fully inflating may make the pillow to high. Let out some of the air to adjust the height. Your Sea to Summit inflatable travel pillow will be the best gear you pack for your next backpacking trip!

Pros

Outside is made with a brushed 50D polyester knit making it soft to the skin

Durable materials ensure this backpacking pillow will last over numerous trips

When inflated, the curved baffles cradle your head and neck for great support

Inflates with only a few breaths and is adjustable for the right firmness

Has a Synthetic fill under its outer case that wicks away moisture

Cons

The baffle that holds the air may end up deteriorating, especially if it gets wet

Backpack Like a Pro; A Comfortable Pro!

First-time backpackers will be overwhelmed at their packing list; no matter how long your trip may last. While there is a lot to consider, you can keep your backpack from weighing one-hundred pounds! Once you purchase and gather the items for your first trip lay all the items out on a table or the floor and examine your choices. Think about the weight on your back and eliminate any heavier items that may not be necessary. You can certainly hike the trails and manage the uphill climbs faster and more efficiently if you have less weight to carry.

An average backpack will likely weigh fifty pounds. The best way to keep your backpack at this weight or less is to choose a lightweight yet comfortable pillow for your trip. Typical backpacking pillows are inflatable, but you can purchase compressed pillows that may provide better neck and head support. Camping pillows that are made of compressed foam will be heavier than inflatable camping pillows. Choose the pillow that makes the most sense when planning your gear inventory.

Where Else Can I Use My Backpacking Pillow?

Investing in a pillow for backpacking trips means you are buying a pillow you may only use when you take a long hike. But there are many other uses for these lightweight, portable pillows. They work great as a travel pillow for long car trips and are small enough to pack in your carryon luggage so if you get stuck at an airport, you can have a ready pillow to rest while waiting for a delayed flight.

Keep these small inflatable pillows in your linen closet for sleepovers with a group of your child’s friends or for overnight company from out of town. Inflatable pillows make great lumbar support pillows to take to work for your office chair, to use while sitting on the couch watching TV, or as a convenient pillow to place under your ankles when sleeping to provide elevation for your feet and legs. Your investment in a best backpacking pillow is never a waste of money when you can use it for so many other situations. Click on any of the links above and buy your backpacking pillow today!

The Growing Worldwide Sleep Apnea Epidemic

Sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, is the most prevalent sleep disorder. More than 100 million people around the world have sleep apnea; including children. This dangerous sleep disorder is more common in men who are overweight and over forty-years-old, but can affect anyone at any age. There’s been a lack of awareness for years concerning sleep apnea, but it’s being diagnosed more often with improved awareness. Among the options for treatment of sleep apnea are some of the best pillows for sleep apnea relief. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition and when left untreated, this disorder can be life threatening.

Breathing is involuntary, but the opposite happens while people with apnea are asleep; an involuntary interruption of breathing. The word “apnea” is a Greek word meaning without breath. People with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, stop breathing while they’re sleeping: sometimes for more than 500 times in one night. And each of these episodes can last for a minute or more. The person experiencing sleep apnea normally doesn’t know they’re not breathing. Sleep apnea is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic.

CAN A PILLOW ACTUALLY HELP ME WITH MY SLEEP APNEA?

Depending on the severity of sleep apnea, many people have to sleep ﻿with ﻿a CPAP machine; a "continuous positive airway pressure” machine that keeps a person’s airway open while they sleep. At times, someone with sleep apnea may only need a mouthpiece that prevents snoring and helps your airway stay open without needing a CPAP machine. Snoring is a typical sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores actually has obstructive sleep apnea. Whichever treatment you use for sleep apnea, there are sleep apnea pillows that have designs for both. And these pillows are often helpful as an anti-snore pillow

There are additional risk factors that make you susceptible to sleep apnea. Many are anatomical such as; enlarged tonsils, a restrictive, small jaw bone, acid reflux, a deviated septum, and a family history; suggesting a genetic association. Different pillows for sleep apnea relief include a pillow wedge for sleep apnea, bamboo pillows, and contoured pillows for use with a CPAP machine. Here are our reviews for top rated pillows for sleep apnea that we found.

Living with sleep apnea may mean you have to maintain and use a CPAP machine every night. Between getting the face mask to fit right, to cleaning out the tubing and filters, and just having to deal with a machine to help you breathe, sleep apnea is a chore. The EnduriMed CPAP Pillow is made specifically to allow you have the best sleep possible!

With all the sleep apnea solutions, having a pillow made to fit you and your equipment and remain soft yet supportive, is a great solution for comfort. The unique shape of this pillow prevents your face and ears from being pressed up against straps and CPAP face masks, avoiding painful, red, pressure points. Stomach sleepers will even be able to enjoy comfort with this sleep apnea pillow designed for CPAP users. You need the best sleep you can get, especially when you suffer from sleep apnea. EnduriMed has created a great solution with this specially designed CPAP pillow.

Pros

Design reduces face and nasal mask pressure and prevents air leaks

Has two head and neck rests for complete comfort

Can be used for CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machine users

Works for people who are stomach, back, or side sleepers

Made with the highest quality memory foam for lasting support

Cons

Materials may cause allergic reactions

2. INTEVISION FOAM WEDGE BED PILLOW

Sleep apnea is a serious ailment, so we searched for the very best pillow to assist you in getting a good night’s rest! The InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow is designed to help sleep when you have apnea or problems with snoring. InteVision designed this wedge pillow with a 1” top made of memory foam and a dense firm base for the most support. This provides the angle you need to breathe better and sleep longer with a soft-feel top. This is a sleep apnea position pillow; it holds you in an upper position so your airway stays open to keep you from snoring and restricted breathing. If you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, this pillow works fine to support you rather then sleeping in a supine position.

The white cover is machine washable and the top memory foam has channels incorporated into the surface to allow for better air circulation. This keeps you cool while sleeping and gives you a soft bolster to keep your upper body from sliding back down.

Pros

Two layer design with a one-inch memory foam top

Top memory foam layer has built-in channels for air circulation

Highest quality removable cover is machine washable

The firmness and angle assists with snoring, sleep apnea, and more!

This wedge pillow is also great for people recovering from upper body surgery

Cons

The firmness can be too hard for some people

3. TRI-CORE CERVICAL PILLOW

If you suffer from sleep apnea or snoring and aren’t happy with a firm wedge pillow, this Tri-Core Cervical Pillow is made to support you all around. The top and bottom are made both for a larger necked person or someone with a small neck. If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, it can be very uncomfortable to sleep on your side and have the nose pillow or straps press against your face. Much like a sleep apnea nasal pillow, the inner area is lower to give you room for the CPAP face mask. This avoids pressure points.

Tri-Core uses a resilient fiber material that will spring back after being compressed, keeping it supportive and in shape. The outside is made from a blended cotton fabric, which is breathable and soft. You can put a standard pillowcase over this pillow to keep it clean. If you who suffer from sleep apnea and snoring, you’ll find the interior curve cradles your head and neck to keep them aligned with your spine. This is helpful if you tend to have a constricted airway when lying down to sleep.

Pros

Has two different width neck rolls; top for a larger neck and bottom for a smaller neck

Large sides are taller for side sleepers and help support the neck

The trapezoid-shaped middle benefits back sleepers

Keeps your neck in a natural position to aid with breathing issues

Makes a great support for people using a CPAP machine

Cons

Stitching can come apart

4. ACID REFLUX WEDGE PILLOW

Although this Medslant Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux is designed for people with acid reflux, the angle and firm support elevates your upper body to help you breathe better through the night. Laying flat causes the airway in your neck to close up and restrict breathing. Keeping your upper body at an incline allows for relief of snoring and sleep apnea. This is the best pillow for back sleepers, allowing you to wake up refreshed and well-rested.

Medslant uses hypoallergenic ISOFresh memory foam that reduces pressure from your neck, shoulders, and head and maintains its support. With this wedge pillow being 30” wide and 34” long, side sleepers can turn on their side and still find comfort and support. Medslant uses a washable, micro fiber cover that’s stain resistant. The fabric will hold its shape even after numerous washes and stays soft against your skin.

Pros

Elevates your body to keep your airways open

Rated "2-Thumbs Up" by Dr. Mike Roizen of YOU!

Medslant pillows last for 5-7 years; much longer than other memory foam wedge pillows

Washable soft, white micro fiber cover with double-stitching

Made with ISOFresh, an odor-neutralizing system keeps your pillow fresh and odor free

Cons

This pillow arrives compressed and sometimes may not unroll completely

5. SLEEP INNOVATIONS CONTOUR MEMORY FOAM PILLOW

If you suffer from snoring and neck pain, you’re probably not getting enough refreshing sleep. The most important area of your neck is where the airway must remain open to allow you plenty of airflow and oxygen while you’re sleeping. This Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow is designed with enhanced support for your neck and shoulders, keeping your spine aligned. The choice of either end; one higher and one shorter, allows you to pick the best height to keep your airway free of pressure and obstruction.

As the best neck pillow for a good sleep, this memory foam pillow also offers anti-snoring properties and is a good pillow for sleep apnea. The middle slope gives your head and face ample room to support any CPAP equipment you may have to wear. You can sleep on your back or side and allow the curvature to leave room for your face mask and straps. This is one of the most comfortable pillows for a good night’s rest!

Pros

Made with Sleep Innovations SureTemp Memory Foam

Therapeutic design adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders

One side has a lower height and the other higher for a perfect fit

Holds its shape for consistent firmness

Works well for people who suffer from snoring or mild sleep apnea

Cons

Previous versions of this pillow offered better support

Don’t Take Sleep Apnea Lightly!

If you sleep all night, but wake up exhausted and never seem to regain energy during the day, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. If you snore heavy, that could also indicate you have sleep apnea. Make an appointment and see your doctor for sleep apnea testing. Interrupted sleep, when you wakeup hundreds of times a night, puts people at a higher risk for work-related mistakes and accidents, compromised driving skills, high blood pressure, weight gain, and other dangerous medical conditions.

Testing for sleep apnea includes a sleep study, conducted by a trained sleep specialist and reviewed by a medical doctor. These tests measure how well you sleep and monitor how many times you wake up and gasp for air. Sleep studies can be done at home with a portable monitor you wear to sleep or by staying overnight at a sleep center. The overnight sleep study involves monitoring your oxygen levels, heart rate, chest movement, and how often you wake from breathing troubles. See your doctor if you think you may need testing for sleep apnea.

SHOULD I USE A PILLOW FOR SLEEP APNEA EVEN IF I DON’T HAVE SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea can be chronic and requires treatment for long-term health management. Your lifestyle, doctor’s recommendations, and pillows for snoring and sleep apnea can reduce the effects of sleep apnea. If you snore, or haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea, sleeping with a pillow that help with snoring helps you breath better and get more oxygen at night. This translates into better concentration during the day, lower blood pressure, and less health risks that go along with sleep apnea.

Pillows that are meant to help with sleep apnea or snoring may also be helpful for people who need better neck support. If you need to sleep in an upper position for a shoulder surgery or injury, or have acid reflux and need to keep your head and neck elevated, an anti-snore pillow is the best choice. Click this link to download a free guide to healthy sleep by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Take the time now to purchase the best pillow for sleep apnea!

Tailbone Pain is Very Uncomfortable!

Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is a very painful condition involving the tailbone, or coccyx at the bottom of your spine. Many different reasons contribute to tailbone pain; pregnancy, injury, a car accident, or just sitting too long. Whatever the source of the pain, people want to find relief and end up going to doctors for help. Treatments for tailbone pain can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID’s, prescription pain medications, steroidal injections, or even surgery. For a tailbone that is inflamed and painful, doctors typically ask their patients to buy the best cushion for tailbone pain that works for them. At times, this may be all they need along with some rest and medication, to recover from a painful case of coccydynia.

Your tailbone, or coccyx, is the triangular shaped bone at the bottom of your spine. This solid bone not only supports you when you sit; it’s where muscles such as the gluteus maximus, or buttock muscle, are attached and the muscles that support your pelvis. Various ligaments and tendons are also attached to the tailbone. The word coccyx is a strange word and comes from the Greek word for cuckoo; kokkux, as the coccyx looks similar to the beak of the cuckoo bird. We often use the word cuckoo to refer to someone crazy or funny; but tailbone pain is not funny at all!

How do I know What Tailbone Cushion Will Work?

Depending on your situation, there are many choices for buying a cushion to help with tailbone pain. You may need one to relieve tailbone pain when you’re driving and would look for a car seat cushion for hemorrhoids that will also work for tailbone injuries. If you’re pregnant, a tailbone pain relief pillow can be the best option. Talk to your midwife or obstetrician about ideas that will work for you. Some people need a certain tailbone cushion for when they’re sitting at work. In this case, an orthopedic cushion for your chair may be needed.

Bicyclists and horseback riders may find a coccyx wedge cushion for their chair, that causes them to lean forward slightly, will help when recovering from a long ride. From donut shaped gel cushions, to cooling gel U-shaped cushions, a tailbone cushion is a must when suffering from coccyx pain. Below are reviews of the top five cushions to help you choose the one that will help the most!

1 AYLIO COCCYX SEAT CUSHION

We searched for the best tailbone pain relief cushion and Aylio Wellness topped our list! Most of us sit everyday, in many situations; driving your car or a truck, watching TV, working at a computer, traveling on a train or airplane, or having a meal. Sitting for these long periods of time can irritate the tailbone. Aylio Wellness has designed a premium orthopedic cushion for coccyx pain relief. It’s made from foam cut to fit the shape of anyone’s body and has a coccyx cut out that faces the back when sitting on it. The cushion gives you lift and the cutout prevents your tailbone from touching the surface. This removes pressure from a painful coccyx.

The cover is made of a soft, velvet fabric that has a zipper so it can be taken off and washed. When you need to support your body and the want the most effective orthopedic seat cushion, this product promises to deliver. Use it anytime you will be sitting for more than a few minutes to keep your tailbone pain free and healthy!

2 EVERLASTING COMFORT 100% PURE MEMORY FOAM LUXURY SEAT CUSHION

For relief of chronic tailbone pressure and pain, the Everlasting Memory Foam Seat Cushion is our next recommended coccyx cushion. Everlasting boasts of their finest quality memory foam, manufactured with no chemical additives. They designed this tailbone support cushion to sense the heat of your body, so it molds perfectly to the shape of your buttocks and thighs. The foam only compresses enough to keep the proper shape no matter what your body weight is. This provides support for your tailbone, spine and hips.

This cushion is made not only for temporary relief of tailbone pain, but it’s durable for daily use to relieve chronic coccyx pain. Use it at work, in the car, at home, when you’re traveling, or as a stadium seat for the ballgame. You can even use the Everlasting Memory Foam Seat Cushion when kneeling down to perform household chores. And the company offers a lifetime guarantee!

PROS

Made with 100% Memory Foam

Heat responsive; the memory foam will adjust to the shape of your body by temperature

The ComfiLife Coccyx Orthopedic Memory Foam Cushion helps you recover from lover back problems like an injured tailbone. The U-shaped design is ergonomic; supporting your coccyx, pelvis, and spine where it needs the support. Taking the pressure off the tailbone allows it to heal from injuries, surgery, or just sitting for too long. A built in handle is attached to this coccyx cushion so you can easily grab it when you’re running out the door to work, a game, to drive a long distance, or for a long flight.

The velour cover has a zipper for easy removal, is machine washable, and makes this cushion easy to clean for bedridden patients or anyone who must use a wheelchair. The size is ample enough for use on any platform or seat, yet it’s lightweight for easy travel. ComfiLife uses a special memory foam that responds to temperature, allowing this comfort cushion to become softer or firmer, giving you the best support.

PROS

Ergonomically designed for the most back and coccyx pain relief

Zippered cover can be removed and machine washed and dried

Convenient handle makes it easy to grab and go when traveling

Memory Foam will adjust firmness according to the temperature of your body

This ComfiLife coccyx pain relieving cushion is designed with a gel enhanced top to keep your bottom cool! It also adds a rubber bottom to prevent slipping off smooth surfaced chairs, benches, or any other slippery surface. When you need relief from an injured tailbone or sciatica pain, this cushion provides a proven design with the best quality materials. A handle makes it easy to carry with you to work, while traveling, or anywhere you will be sitting for long periods of time.

If you suffer from tailbone pain and want a long-term solution, this memory foam seat cushion is a great option. The cover is soft and can be machine washed to keep it clean. Works great for people confined to a wheelchair who suffer from coccyx pain after sitting too long or who are recovering from a back or tailbone surgery.

PROS

Has a cooling gel surface

The inside memory foam is heat and weight sensitive

Machine washable zippered cover that’s soft velour

Has a non-slip rubber bottom for smooth surfaces

Built-in handle and light weight for ease of travel

CONS

Can have a strong smell that takes a long time to go away

4 CLEVER YELLOW CAR SEAT CUSHION WITH STRAP

The Clever Yellow Car Seat Cushion with Adjustable Strap is a great option for people with tailbone pain who drive long distances and for long distance truck drivers. This orthopedic designed wedge cushion allows your pelvis to tilt forward resulting in pressure being removed from your spine and tailbone. The three-inch high, soft car seat cushion has three layers to prevent flattening and improve your posture. The right amount of lift allows you to tilt forward enough to take away the bulk of the weight pressing on your coccyx, but not cause you to feel awkward or effect your driving.

The proper support and angle of this product makes it the most comfortable car seat cushion for you when you’re driving and will also work as support in your easy chair at home while watching TV or resting. Coccyx pain is uncomfortable and can interrupt your everyday activities. Don’t let chronic tailbone pain stop your from traveling and enjoying life. A good seat cushion is a must have!

PROS

Wedge shaped made to cater to long distance drivers

A great option for pregnant women with tailbone pain

3 layer technology to prevent flattening

Made with a breathable mesh cover

Adjustable strap ensures the cushion stays in place in your car or truck

CONS

Cover must be hand-washed

A Tailbone Support Seat Cushion Is a Lifesaver!

Tailbone pain can be caused by many health issues such as a herniated disc in your spine, or even problems associated with colon cancer, but often there is no particular cause. The pain is debilitating for many people and interferes with work and daily living. It can range from dull, constant pain to a sharp jolt of pain when getting up from a sitting position or bending the wrong way. A tailbone is rarely broken; but can be inflamed, sore, and cause sharp pain, and only time and support can help. Some of the ligaments and tendons attached to the coccyx can also be sore and swollen.

When your doctor examines you and determines there aren’t any life threatening sources for your tailbone pain, these options such as a U-shaped pillow for tailbone pain, tailbone pain wedges, or cushions; all give you support and relief from putting pressure on your coccyx. These cushions can really be … a ‘lifesaver!’

After My Tailbone Pain is Gone, Should I Continue Using a Cushion?

Most tailbone pain or coccyx injuries are curable with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, a quality supportive coccyx pain cushion, and hardly ever require surgery. After you eliminate tailbone pain, it’s a great idea to continue use of a coccyx relief cushion. The reason you developed the pain in the first place should be considered, and the proper cushion purchased.

While pregnancy is temporary, a long distance bicyclist, office worker, truck driver, and other occupations are situations you will repeat. Look through these best tailbone pain cushion reviews and buy one you can use over and over!

Tailbone Pain is Very Uncomfortable!Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia,... Read more →

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